Tour of the University of Reading's Great Hall on the London Road campus

The Grade 2 listed Great Hall is located on the University of Reading's London Road campus. It was designed by Ravenscroft and Steward Smith in 1905 and opened for use in 1906. It was built for use as an assembly hall for the University College, which was being moved from Valpy Street in the town centre to this new location, and was intended to be available to the College as the other buildings were being erected. The fine Binns organ was installed in 1910. The impressive hall is used for degree congregations, concerts, examinations, lectures and receptions.

The tour will start with a brief history of the campus and the hall. There will be a tour of the apse, which houses the organ and the backstage facilities, including the green room and the dressing rooms that have been enjoyed by local and national orchestras and choirs as well as diverse groups from a gala concert of Indian music to Pink Floyd! There will also be a tour of the impressive building both internally and externally including the gold-leaf decorated ceiling and also a look at the layout and use of the hall today.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 07 September:

1100 and 1215

Location & directions

London Road, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 5AQ

Directions:

The Great Hall is located on the London Road campus of the University and is accessed from Acacia Road off Redlands Road, adjacent to the entrance to the Museum of English Rural Life. This is where visitors will meet for the start of the tour. There is free parking available in Acacia Road. Reading Buses Number 9 has a stop outside the hospital in Redlands Road, close by the meeting point.

Contact on day:

Dennis Wood

Telephone number:

+447801371180

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Advance booking is required; details are given below.

Booking contact name:

Brenda Morris

Booking telephone number:

+441635869594

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking opens:

01 Jul 2024 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

31 Aug 2024 12:00 AM

Additional information

The backstage area is accessed via stairs. Refreshments and toilets are available in the Museum of English Rural Life. The tour is not suitable for children.

Max no of people per tour:

18

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s)

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